This article presents a novel technique, called image-based surface detail transfer, that transfers geometric details from one surface to another with simple 2D image operations. The authors? basic finding is that, without knowing its 3D geometry, geometric details (local deformations) of an object can be extracted from a single image in a way independent of its surface reflectance. Furthermore, these geometric details can be directly transferred to modify the appearance of other objects in image space. The article provides examples of surface detail transfer between real objects, as well as between real and synthesized objects. It also demonstrates that this technique can be applied to human faces to produce aging effects or as a touch-up tool to remove wrinkles and color spots on the face images.